Cycle south east

This ambitious new drive to boost cycling will create more opportunities for exercise as well as helping to tackle road congestion and improve air quality.

It fulfils a commitment to increase investment in sustainable transport initiatives, outlined in the recent strategy document, 'Towards a Sustainable Transport System'.

The money will be invested over the next three years and forms part of the Government's forthcoming Obesity Strategy.

Authorities across the South East could help get more people on their bikes by becoming new Cycling Demonstration Towns, or offering local children the chance to be cycle trained.

The national six-fold increase in funding will:

* allow an extra 500,000 10 year-olds across England to take part in Bikeability cycle training by 2012, equipping them to cycle safely and responsibly

* build another 250 Safe Links to Schools, connecting around 500 more schools to the National Cycle Network. Many schools with links have already doubled the number of pupils cycling to school.

* create up to a further 10 Cycling Demonstration Towns in England, as well as the first large Demonstration City. In just one year the six current Cycling Demonstration Towns achieved an average 20% increase in cycle trips.

Making the announcement in Hove, Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Transport said: "This new money represents a great opportunity for the South East to join the cycling revolution. By getting more people on their bikes, we can help tackle congestion and pollution, as well as helping promote health and fitness opportunities."